1965

In the Fall of 1965, our family gathered at Riverside, IA for the funeral of George Deatsch (3rd generation). In the years that followed, 2 reunions were held. Circumstances did not allow me to attend.

In July 2000, a full day of activities was planned. George and Josephine had married in 1900 and their descendants met for Mass at St. Mary's in Riverside. We moved to the a/c basement to visit, view pictures, and eat lunch. A visit to the graves at St. Vincent's was made. And in the late afternoon, many of the group moved on to Iowa City and the home of Donna Deatsch, Elmer's widow, to continue eating and visiting. Bernard, Connie & her husband, and Uncle White's widow represented the 4th generation. Many cousins and their children and grandchildren were in attendance from all across the country(California, Ohio, Florida, Wyoming). I flew from Wyoming and attended with my Father, Bernard.

In July 2005, the cousins hosted a gathering at Lone Tree, IA. This day, only Bernard and Connie (4th) remained to join us. A meal and an afernoon of visitng was enjoyed by all. And once again, Dad and I were in attendance.

There is a meal planned for July 5, 2009 in Amana, IA. And we, the cousins (5th generation) have become the older generation. We number 30 (14 men and 16 women). And life goes on...